Chemico-nutritional characterization and anti-inflammatory potential of Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb.) seed: alternate source of protein supplement and fatty acids.

Exploring unconventional protein sources can be an alternative strategy to meet the deficiency. The seeds of Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb., Family- Ulmaceae) are eaten raw by the ethnic communities of Southeast Asian countries. The present study assessed the chemical, nutritional, and biological potential of the seeds (HIS) and pericarp (HISP) of H. integrifolia. The seeds contain mainly fixed and very few essential oils. The fixed oil of HIS is composed primarily of unsaturated oleic (47%) and saturated palmitic (37%) acids. The HIS are exceptional due to a high content of lipid (50%), protein (24%), carbohydrates (19%), fiber (4%), and anti-nutritional components within permissible limits. The high content (in mg/Kg) of phosphorus (6000), magnesium (422), Calcium (279), and essential nutrients (Ni, Co, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cr) in the range of (0.04-6.69) were observed. The moderate anti-oxidant potential of HISP was evident in single electron transfer in-vitro assays. Moreover, HISP extract and HIS solvent-extracted fixed oil showed anti-inflammatory action in lipopolysaccharide-induced HaCaT cells by significantly attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) without causing cytotoxicity. Results support de-oiled HIS cake as an alternative source of a high-protein diet and its oil with anti-inflammatory attributes for topical applications.

Structural Insights and Pharmaceutical Relevance of Plumbagin in Parasitic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review.

Recently, natural products have been became the center of attraction for the scientific society and exploration of their biologically abilities is proceeding continuously. In search for novel antiparasitic agents with an objective of protecting humans from parasitic infections, the present work was focused on naphthoquinones possessing antiparasitic activity. Among naphthoquinones, plumbagin is one of the secondary metabolites exhibiting diverse biological properties such as antibacterial, antimalarial, antiinflammatory, insecticidal and antiparasitic. Plumbagin is reported to have antischistosomiasis, anti-haemonchosis, anti-fascioliasis, antiotoacariasis, anti-leishmaniasis, antimalaria, antiallergic and anthelmintic activities. Besides, various methods of extraction of plumbagin from different methods, their effectiveness against different parasites, and the structure-activity relationship reported by different researchers. This work highlight on recent advancements in the phytochemistry of plumbagin, studies associated with various biological activities. The structure-activity relationship studies have also been summarized. To conclude, present review could be beneficial for the scientific community to get better insight into medicinal research of plumbagin and may provide a new horizon for the rational design of plumbagin based compounds.